Doctoral Candidate Brochure: Nick A. Kish

Doctoral Dissertation Defense
of
Nick A. Kish

For the degree of

Doctor of Philosophy
Educational Leadership (K–12)

Facilitating Postsecondary Education Transitions for Students with Cognitive & Developmental Exceptionalities

March 20, 2026
11:00 a.m.
White Hall 403

Facilitating Postsecondary Education Transitions for Students with Cognitive & Developmental Exceptionalities

This qualitative study explores, identifies, interprets, and theorizes the problem of lack of higher education participation for students with CDEs despite federal legislature ostensibly aimed to increase opportunities for all student groups. Additionally, my qualitative study offered as a grounded theory study, explores the lived experiences of 5 secondary and 5 postsecondary educational leaders who have effectively facilitated successful CTP transitions for students with CDEs and theorizes as to what enabling conditions, leadership practices, and system-level supports are associated with their success in doing so.

Study participants were 5 postsecondary educational leaders from 5 separate Comprehensive and Transition Programs (CTPs) in Ohio and 5 complimentary secondary educational leaders from 5 local educational agencies (LEAs) who collectively facilitates PSE transitions for students with CDEs. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews of the 10 educational leaders participants. Findings indicate that participants expressed imperatives in facilitating effective PSE transitions including: authentic equity of opportunity, transformational leadership, collective communication, selfdetermination and external expectation, and financial practicality.